Abstract
A mine in central Montana requires engineering design of a pump and pipeline in order to transport corrosive water from a storage tank to a lined storage pond. Issues affecting the placement and construction of the pumps and pipeline at this project site include hydrological and hydraulic design, environmental protection, and interference with existing utilities. The storage pond has a 315 million gallon capacity which will help in determining the maximum flow rate at which the pump must operate. There is a maximum elevation gain of 46 feet, starting at a relative level of 240 feet at the storage tank to 286 feet at the maximum storage level of the pond. The pumps will have to provide enough pressure head for this elevation gain in addition to any friction losses, and fit within a 12 foot by 18 foot building.</p>
<p>Additionally, the pipeline from the pump has to withstand the overburden pressures of the embankment of the storage pond, live loads from traffic on intersecting roads, and harsh climate conditions. Due to the pumped water containing hard metals and corrosive chemicals, the pump and pipeline are required to have no leakage at any point. Also, the sulfate mitigation will be considered as high amounts of sulfate could cause build up within the system. Lastly, utilities exist along the pipeline route, such as culverts, electrical boxes, roads, and electrical lines which will be difficult to work around during the placement of the pipeline. This presentation shows our final hydraulic calculations, contractor plans, and routing of the pump and pipeline.
